A minority of Essex motorists continue to drink-drive despite police efforts to stop them.
A summer crackdown by Essex Police has seen 3,334 roadside breath tests resulting in the arrest of 138 men and women (4.2 per cent) for driving under the influence of alcohol.
This is a percentage rise from last year's initiative when 2,114 motorists were stopped and 85 arrested (4 per cent) and has led police to ask why the message isn't getting through.
Road policing sergeant Bob Beckwith said: "Although the number of arrests may seem relatively low to some people, we are still prosecuting a similar number of drivers each and every year. It is this consistent, persistent faction of motorists who we are aiming to rid the roads of.
"It does amaze me though how and why people still persist in breaking the law - a piece of legislation which has been around for decades and one which is continuously highlighted by way of numerous publicity campaigns both here in Essex and nationwide."
Chelmsford traffic police breathalysed 462 motorists during August's drink-driving campaign with 22 providing a positive specimen. Bocking traffic police stopped 349 motorists and 9 provided a positive specimen.
All the tests were either on motorists suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or those committing minor driving offences.
Published Wednesday September 8, 2004
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